Cross-border news and events in the Pacific Corridor

Announcement

Upcoming BC/WA Trade Events - Jun/08 - Nov/08

Heads up for the following trade-related events in British Columbia and Washington during the next few months. Additional events are listed in the following trade event calendars:

If you are interested, or in the process of launching your export venture, this course is for you. Small Business BC, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and others offer a full day workshop and networking seminar developed to deliver everything you need to know about the rules, regulations, standards and resources involved in exporting. Network with peers and industry professionals.

WTC Tacoma continues its breakfast series with an engaging panel discussion with successful WTC Tacoma members speaking about their experiences growing their business through international trade. Speakers for this event are: Ron Chow, Seattle Pacific Trading; Andrew Griffith, Griffith Floor Covering; and Joe Zawacki, Tahoma Imports

Morning: The New Partners in Protection (PIP) Program: Are You Ready? The new PIP program will come into effect on June 30, 2008. Current members will not be grandfathered into the new PIP program and will have until December 31, 2008 to re-apply.

Afternoon: Preparing for a Customs Audit - Workshop. Going through a customs audit can be a disruptive and stressful experience. Don't be caught unprepared! Knowing what to expect and doing your homework can save your company a substantial amount of money. This workshop will discuss the preparation/review necessary to ensure a successful outcome to a CBSA audit.

You will learn Four High Voltage Strategies that can immediately accelerate your sales - at little or no cost: How to market your business on the world wide web; How to force your advertising to pay; How to grow your business organically and How to use Guerrilla Marketing to accelerate your sales - right now.

Here is a special opportunity to learn more about global trade and finance. Presented by THE AMERICAN EXPORT TRAINING INSTITUTE (AETI), a division of Export Risk Management, Inc., this interactive 2-day seminar provides indispensable tools, techniques, and practical knowledge for export financing. During this unique workshop attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to really use financing tools such as letters of credit & government resources; offer competitive terms & yet receive payment upon shipment; protect balance sheets from the risks of international trade; and identify creditworthy prospects.

If you are interested in importing new and used vehicles into Canada this seminar was created just for you. Small Business BC, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and ICBC offer a 2 hour seminar which will cover all the steps required prior to importing vehicles.

The USA is a huge and responsive market for both Canadian and imported products and services. This seminar is designed to help you understand the market, plan your approach, and suggest practical methods and alternatives for implementing your business and marketing plans. Key topics include: (1) dealing with "border issues", such as U.S. immigration and travel planning, U.S. customs clearance, business planning, taxation, and legal considerations; (2) understanding "logistics issues", such as establishing a USA business identity, warehousing, transportation, fulfillment, and handling of returned goods; and (3) "sales/marketing strategies", including market overview, using dealers and agents, and attending tradeshows. In addition, the seminar will feature "resource introductions", including the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, which provides federal government programs and services.